Both players managed to score their maiden Test centuries as South Africa posted 307/2 on day one. De Zorzi went on to score an unbeaten 141 runs, while Stubbs, who was batting at three, scored 106.

The Western Province opener De Zorzi battled in the humidity as he carried his bat throughout the day, and this despite starting to experience cramping in his forearm which made things a lot harder.

The 24-year-old Stubbs said De Zorzi fought like a true warrior and his cool, calm, and collected approach helped him throughout his innings.

“I didn’t even see how Aiden Markram got out by the way,” said Stubbs.

“I was really nervous up front and it was nice batting with Tony, he was like really calm and he was flowing quite nicely.

“I give huge credit to him actually, straight after lunch he started camping in his forearm and his mental strength to go through the whole day was unbelievable.

‘It was really enjoyable batting with him’

“We kept reminding each other let’s go, let’s not take anything for granted, so it was really enjoyable batting with him.”

De Zorzi eventually went on to score a career-best 177 runs before being trapped lbw by Taijul Islam early on day two with South Africa’s score on 391/4. De Zorzi hit 12 fours and four sixes in his innings which lasted 269 balls.

South Africa currently leads the two-Test series 1-0 after a seven-wicket win in Dhaka.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek  mvh